Database Administrator · Salary Comparison · 2026
Database Administrator Salary: Pittsburgh, PA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Database Administrators in Pittsburgh, PA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$77,000 vs $119,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Pittsburgh, PA
$85,556 vs $73,457
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Pittsburgh, PA
$76,627 vs $67,874
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Pittsburgh, PA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $77,000 | $119,000▲ | -$42,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,290 | $91,630▲ | -$32,340 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,560 | $152,320▲ | -$53,760 |
| 90th Percentile | $123,200 | $190,400▲ | -$67,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 162 | -72 |
| State Income Tax | 3.07% | 0%▲ | +3.07% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $85,556▲ | $73,457 | +$12,099 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $68,964 | $109,956▲ | -$40,992 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $76,627▲ | $67,874 | +$8,753 |
| Total Employment | 11,200 | 46,400 | -35,200 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Pittsburgh, PA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $42,000 more (median: $77,000 vs $119,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 90 vs 162), Pittsburgh, PA provides better purchasing power ($85,556 vs $73,457 equivalent). Seattle, WA has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 2026 · Cost-of-living indices from composite metro area data. Take-home estimates approximate only — consult a tax professional for accurate figures.